The 2016-17 campaign was a season of unprecedented European adventure for Sassuolo, with the Neroverdi making their historic debut in the UEFA Europa League after securing a landmark qualification the previous season. While manager Eusebio Di Francesco led the side to a consolidated 12th-place finish in Serie A, the year was defined by the continental experience. Leading the charge on the pitch was Grégoire Defrel, whose 12 league goals were vital, in a campaign that featured the club’s iconic captain Francesco Magnanelli and future star Lorenzo Pellegrini.